Community Connections

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Shanna Meier from the Kings County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Program. We discuss what domestic violence is, the resources and support available to victims and families, how the community can support survivors, and what to expect at the upcoming Rock the Purple Resource Fair. This episode is sponsored by...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a new episode of Kings Partnership’s Community Connections Podcast, sponsored by UCP! Host Iranda sits down with Latresha, Executive Director of HampsCare Independent Living, to learn more about the organization and its mission to support individuals on their journey toward independent living. In this episode, we explore how independent living programs work, who may qu...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an insightful episode featuring Jennifer, Program Coordinator with Kings Partnership , as she takes a closer look at the Five Protective Factors and how they can help strengthen individuals, families, and communities.  Jennifer also highlights what her program has been up to in the community , including recent prevention efforts, outreach activities, educational presen...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Community Connections: Changing Lives Together, host Gaby sits down with Cheyenne Collins of Birch House Sober Living to talk about recovery, second chances, and what it takes to build a stronger future. Birch House Sober Living provides a safe, structured, and supportive environment for men rebuilding their lives. Gaby and Cheyenne discuss the importance of sob...

Send us Fan Mail This episode spotlights the meaningful work of Lavena Najera and her team at the Kings County Office of Education’s Dream Center, a safe space for foster care and unhoused youth to receive a variety of beneficial resources such as: education access, professional development skill-building, enrichment programs, basic need fulfillment (clothing, food, laundry services, hygiene, prod...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Community Connection: Changing Lives Together , Executive Director Gaby Rodriguez talks with Jennifer Quinonez, Program Coordinator at Kings Partnership, about how trauma-informed practices can help parents build stronger, healthier family relationships. Drawing on nearly a decade of trauma-informed training and experience, Jennifer shares practical strategies f...

Join Kings Partnership and the Kings County Department of Public Health for an informative conversation about opioid overdose prevention, substance use disorder, and the resources available to support individuals and families in Kings County. Learn how local partners are working together to reduce overdose-related deaths, expand access to treatment and recovery services, and strengthen community a...

In this episode of Community Connections , we are joined by Laura Gromis, Executive Director of USGBC Central California, for a conversation on Building a Resilient Central Valley . Together, we discuss extreme heat as a growing public health and community resilience issue, how our homes and neighborhoods impact our ability to stay safe, and simple steps residents can take to stay cooler and reduc...

In this episode, we are going to be discussing Familias Unidas, a family centered program designed to strengthen family relationships and support youth development provided through Kings Partnership. We will also share information about our upcoming third cohort. For more information contact:  Program Coordinator, Gisselle Tamayo at gisselle@kpfp.org or 559-242-6458  Program Support Specialist, Ca...

In this episode, we’ll be diving into Jesus’s life story, exploring his journey through substance use, the challenges he faced along the way, and the strength it took to overcome those experiences. We’ll also be talking about healing, growth, and the importance of sharing lived experiences to inspire and support others in our community. Support the show

In this episode of the Community Connections Podcast, host Iranda Ramirez, Outreach Specialist for Kings Partnership, sits down with Barbara Holland, Program Coordinator for the Youth and Family Tree Program in Hanford through WestCare California, Inc. During this meaningful conversation Barbara shares her passion for supporting youth and families impacted by substance use and discusses the work h...

In this episode of Community Connections , Gisselle is joined with Christianna Percell, Principal at Learn4Life, for a thoughtful conversation about the transformative roles of community, collaboration, wellness, and breaking down barriers each play in supporting student success. Christianna has been in education for close to three decades with a focus on implementing alternative education models...

In this powerful and honest conversation, host Gaby is joined by Devonderia Sanchez of Finding Inner Transformation and KPFP co-host Gisselle Tamayo for a deep dive into what it really means to lead with both strength and vulnerability. Together, they explore the often unspoken challenges leaders face around mental health, breaking down misconceptions, addressing the pressure to “have it all toget...

In this powerful and inspiring episode, Aliyah Ortiz from Kings Partnership is joined by special guest Cristal Garcia from SOL Youth to dive into the vital work being done to support and uplift today’s youth. Together, they explore how SOL Youth is creating meaningful change by empowering youth with the knowledge, confidence, and resources needed to resist substance use. This episode highlights ho...

In this episode of Community Connections , Jennifer Quiñonez from Kings Partnership for Prevention sits down with Lori Willson, Executive Director of the Central Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. They discuss the growing impact of extreme heat in Kings County, how families can recognize heat related illnesses, and what steps communities can take to stay prepared. Lori also shares how the R...

In this episode of the Community Connection Podcast, Iranda Ramirez and Carolina Soto from Kings Partnerships discuss the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Initiative — a community-driven effort focused on preparing Kings County for rising temperatures and protecting our most vulnerable residents. From power outages and outdoor work conditions to caring for seniors and children during heat wav...

In this episode, we’re joined by Neal Sundberg, the Director of Coaching at BrightLife Kids to explore how free and virtual behavioral health coaching is supporting children ages 0–12 and their caregivers. We discuss the most common challenges parents are facing today. From big emotions and behavior struggles to anxiety and how early support can positively change a child’s long-term outcomes. You’...

Community Connections , a Kings Partnership Podcast, explores substance use, overdose awareness, and harm reduction in our community. In this episode, Iranda Ramirez and Aliyah break down stimulants and opioids, explain how they affect the body, and highlight the life-saving power of naloxone. Join us for an honest, compassionate conversation focused on awareness, safety, and saving lives. Support...

Community Connection presents the episode “Heart of Childcare,” hosted by Gaby from Kings Partnership and featuring Veronica Puga, owner of Building Blocks to Learning Childcare. In this episode, Veronica shares her passion for early childhood education, the heart behind her childcare center, and how quality care supports children’s academic, social, and emotional development while strengthening f...

In this episode of Community Connections, we highlight another beloved local food business! Sit down with host, Gisselle Tamayo, and owner of CornerStone Cafe, Santiago Rodriguez, as they chat about the cafe’s Hanford roots, its role in bringing community together, and the feel-good dishes that keep locals coming back. Hear how a passion for food transformed into a local eatery rooted in purpose a...

Kings Partnership's Executive Director Gaby hosts the Community Connection Podcast and welcomes Hillary Perez-Godfrey, Director of Business Development & Client Engagement at My Diabetes Tutor. Hillary shares her story, her work, and practical guidance for navigating diabetes. Sponsored by Episcopal Church of the Saviour. Support the show

Join Aliyah Ortiz , Program Coordinator, and Iranda Ramirez , NEW Community Specialist, as they dive into what the Kings Partnership Substance Use Prevention Program is all about. A community united against substance misuse, the KPFP Substance Use Prevention Program brings you inspiring conversations about resilience, education, and empowerment . Tune in to learn how local initiatives and everyday...

We’re excited to feature Brandy Swisher , with Kings Water Alliance, in this new episode of Community Connections!  Brandy shares how KWA is helping Kings County residents who rely on private wells learn about their water’s nitrate levels through free testing — and by delivering bottled water to nitrate-impacted households. These efforts protect local water, support community health, and ensure sa...

In this episode, we explore The Power of Journaling: Writing as a Tool for Mental Health and Self-Discovery with special guest Martha Martinez, host of journaling workshops. Martha shares how she guides individuals in using writing as a form of healing, reflection, and personal growth. Together, we discuss the mental health benefits of journaling, the ways it helps people process emotions, and how...

In this episode, explore how 211 serves as a vital connection point for Kings County residents seeking housing, food, mental health support, and more. We dive into the most requested resources, shifting community needs, and insights that highlights 211’s real-life impact. We also take a closer look at the Smart Referral Network (SRN)—a growing system that connects local organizations & agencie...